Kid's Tips - Getaway to Put-in-Bay (or "How to be a Kid Again")

There's loads of fun at Put-in-Bay for kids of ALL ages! Whether you bring the family for a day-trip, overnight stay or vacation, here are a few tips on travel and attractions. You also will find more information on our Attractions page and Events page.

Getting There is Part of the Fun!

Miller Ferry = "Family Friendly Fares"

Put-in-Bay

• Children under 6 years ride FREE
• Round Trip Child (6 -11 years) $3.00
• Round Trip Adult (12 years and up) $13.00
• Bicycle Round Trip $4.00 

Middle Bass Island

• Children under 6 years ride FREE
• Round Trip Child (6 - 11 years) $6.00
• Round Trip Adult (12 years and up) $17.00 
• Bicycle Round Trip $6.00

Map It Out!

See our directions page or call our office toll free 800-500-2421.

Welcome to the Lake Erie Islands area!

Free Parking:

There are five Free parking areas near the Miller Ferry Dock on Catawba. If you are "day tripping" we suggest your driver drop off passengers & parcels at the top of the dock, then the driver can park while the family can purchase tickets, visit the retail shop and information area (free maps!) and restrooms. Too much luggage? Trouble walking? Hail a dock attendant for assistance. 

Pedal Power!

Bring Your Own Bicycles
The roads are flat & many attractions are relatively close to each other. There is a designated bike rout that stretches the two miles between the Miller Ferry Lime Kiln Dock to the Perry's Monument.

Rent Bikes
Bicycle rentals, including child bikes, baby seats, safety helmets and tandems are available for rent near the top of the Miller Ferry Dock at Put-in-Bay. There is a designated bike path following the two mile road between the dock and Perry's Monument. 

Other PIB Transportation
Rent golf carts near the top of the dock. Some carts are capable of carrying up to seven passengers. Follow the regular driving rules and Buckle Up! You must have a valid driver's license in order to rent or operate a cart. Also, buses run between the dock and downtown (two miles) and cabs will take you anywhere.

E's Carts 419-285-5553
Island Transportation 419-285-4855

Things to See and Do at Put-in-Bay:

Perry's Memorial

Your top destination! A gentle elevator ride will take your to the monument top - there you'll have a spectacular view of about fourteen Lake Erie Islands, Ohio shoreline and mainland Canada. Helpful Rangers can point out where Oliver H. Perry let the American fleet to victory over the British during the Battle of Lake Erie, 1813. Don't miss the hourly ranger talks, the Welcome Center, and carronade weekends. 419-285-2184.
 

The Caves

Crystal Cave 
When you explore this compact cave you'll feel as though you are in the center of a giant geode. Blue-white strontia crystals line the cave, a dazzling sight. Located at Heineman's Winery, Catawba Avenue. 419-285-2811.

Perry's Cave  
This limestone cave is over 200 feet long and has it's own pond. A constant temperature of 42º F. will cool you in a hurry on a hot day. You can find this cave at the Perry's Cave Family Fun Center, Catawba, Avenue. 419-285-2405.

Kimberly's Carousel

A lovingly restored Alan Herschel carousel created in 1917, located on Delaware Avenue, downtown. Take note of the hand painted historic island murals that adorn the carousel top. 419-285-4741. 

 

Butterfly House

You will be dazzled by the hundreds of tropical butterflies. A visit is an ideal biology lesson! Through a window you can closely observe butterfly chrysalises, the emergence stage, and see butterflies "pump up" and gain strength. These butterflies are then released into the House for all to enjoy. The flowers and plants (butterfly food and roosts) make for a serene and colorful setting. Photo Time! Located at Perry's Cave Family Fun Center. 419-285-2446.
 

Tour Train

Ready to relax? Then it's time to hop the tour train at the Depot downtown. Leave the driving to a narrator who gives you a detailed history while you are on a leisurely drive around most of the island. Sit back and take it all in, this trip lasts almost an hour. The train also makes stops at the Monument and at the Winery/Caves.

 

The Candy Bar

On Delaware Avenue, this shop is filled with tempting sweets and treats. Homemade fudge and hand-dipped ice cream. 419-285-2920.

Tailfins Family Amusement Park

All ages can find games and challenges - bumper boats, go-carts, virtual bowling, dozens of games of chance and skill. In short - a blast! Near downtown. See coupons. 419-285-FINS. 

War of 18 Holes

Putt-putt golf at its best, tucked into a shady area and lit up for evening rounds, Catawba Avenue.

Fort A-MAZE'n

Test your memory and physical skills in the Maze! Located at Perry's Cave Family Fun Center. 

Climbing Wall

At the Perry's Cave Family Center, wall abilities for all ages and equipped with safety approved harnesses.

Biplane Flights

Two passengers can ride aboard this historic Waco tail-dragger. View the Lake Erie Islands and Put-in-Bay from the open cockpit.

 

 

Golf Course

Saunder's nine hole course is located next to the State Park.

Kayak the Bay

The harbor is perfect for Kayaking, floaty tubes and waterbikes are also available. Children under 16 year old must be accompanied by an adult. Located on Bayview Avenue. See coupons. 

 

Pier Fishing

You can fish from a dock at the South Bass Island State Park. Fish cleaning facilities nearby.  

 

Jet Skis

Available for rent at the South Bass Island State Park and also near downtown, off Langram Road. 

Gibraltar Island Tours

Located in Put-in-Bay's harbor, Gibaltar is owned by Ohio State University and is home to Stone Laboratory and Cooke's Castle. To reach Gibraltar, you must catch a water taxi from Boardwalk for a three minute cruise. For Gibraltar Island tour hours call 419-285-2341.

 

South Bass Island Lighthouse

Located just 1/4 mile south of the Miller Ferry Lime Kiln Dock (Put-in-Bay).
Call 419-285-2341 for tour hours and children's height restrictions.

 

Gem Mining

Located at the Perry's Cave Fun Center. Purchase a bag, then pan away in the running water. Your own dazzling gems and minerals appear! A very popular family project!

Antique Car Museum

The islands are popular for car collectors, check out this collection located next to Perry's Cave.

Sunday Car Parade

Every Sunday dozens of antique and collectible automobiles wind their way down Catawba Avenue, through downtown, and circle through Oak Point State Park. Another Island Tradition!

Parasail the Bay

"I did it!" An exciting solo aerial ride over the Bay. Safe and easy take off and landing. Available from the Boardwalk dock.

 

More Island Hopping!

Board the "Sonny S" for a quick trip to Middle Bass Island. Departs the Boardwalk. Call 419-285-8774 for hours.

Shopping

You can spend an entire day browsing the shops of Put-in-Bay where there is also plenty of "kid stuff" to see. Souvenirs, funky hats, PIB tees, beads and jewelry, toys, plush, kites, history books, games, gifts that glow in the dark and gifts that change color in the sun, you will find all this and more in the eclectic island stores.

Lake Erie Islands Historical Museum

Conveniently located downtown don't miss the displays of ship models, Hotel Victory and island memoribilia.

Put-in-Bay School

Grades K-12 are housed within this school and class size averages six students. Students from Middle Bass and North Bass Island must boat or fly daily to Put-in-Bay to attend classes.

Special Events for Kids and Families

On Put-in-Bay: Cannonade Weekends at the Monument, Nature Camp, Historic Weekend, Founder's Day, Sailing classes (adult & kids) at the Yacht Club, Museum Children's Days and more.
Middle Bass: Children's Art & Music Week. 

 

Parks on Put-in-Bay

South Bass Island State Park and Camping

Offers a stone beach, shaded camping & picnic area, pier, coffee shop. The State Park is also the grounds on which once stood the elaborate lakefront Hotel Victory. A few ruins of this 600 room hotel can be seen today, including the natatorium - America's first swimming pool that allowed co-ed bathing. Stop by the state park office and the Lake Erie Islands Museum for more Hotel Victory photos. Located approximately a mile and a half south of village. Oak Point State Park is about a half mile west of the village.

Oak Point State Park

Oak Point State Park is about a half mile west of the village (downtown), spectacular view of the bay and Gibraltar Island. Has picnic area and restrooms. 

 

De Rivera Park

Park the Kids! DeRivera Park is a waterfront park in the center of town. You'll find a "wishing" fountain, restrooms and showers, and picnic tables. Have the kids work out energy on the shaded playground, or by climbing on the cannons, also furrounding the park you'll find plenty of restaurants and snack shops, grocery store, carry-outs and gift shops.

 

Camping

Tales around the campfire, good friends, sky watching, sleeping bags for two, s'mores and more!  The South Bass State Park offers 135 campsites, ten with full hook-ups, and primitive sites. The Park is located about one and a half miles south of downtown Put-in-Bay. There is also a launching ramp, fishing pier, playground, pebble beach and jet ski rental.  For park site reservations visit  www.ohiostateparks.org 
 

Camper'sTips:

The North Coast Cab Company 419-285-3585 is the exclusive cab service for the South Bass Island State Park campgrounds. Pack extra shoes or flip flops if you plan to visit the stone swimming beach. With few glaring street lights, the islands are an ideal spot for sky-mapping constellations and  planets. Tip: bring a bandana to cover the ambient light of flashlights.

Public Restrooms:

Aboard all ferries, on ferry docks, all State and public parks, village town hall, Perry's Monument and the Depot (downtown).